Traditionally, we think of going to a brick-and-mortar establishment when we want to visit a health professional either in a private practice or at a public facility.
But times are changing as access becomes more open with the development, implementation, and acceptance of health technology creating several options to remotely access healthcare.
If, as a country, we are serious about improving the health of our population, there has to be a focus on technology-driven health literacy and access.
Technology can significantly enhance and promote health literacy, leading to improved behaviour necessary for better health outcomes.
With the growing use of the Internet by Jamaicans, wider cell phone usage and availability of affordable data plans, we have a real opportunity here.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many pundits have stated that the future of healthcare is virtual care. The beginning of this was demonstrated during that time when the demand for telemedicine increased exponentially. The circumstances of the pandemic – the high admission rates at health facilities and limitations on the movement of people – made it a necessity.
Since then, more people have been opting for this solution which allows them to seek care regardless of geographic location and without having to leave their homes.
